robotron controls

[greenbaja]

i have a robotron with original controls ...the leaf switches are kinda goin south on me ...( doesnt always wanna move when i tell it to LOL) ...what is the best way to go to rebuild the sticks ..i am not into original as much as how it plays ...but i would like to keep the stock handles ...is there a way to just change out the switches , preferably to something better and more reliable ...thanx
Vinny

[Lilwolf]

You might want to just remove the joystick completely and put in newer joysticks... That way you have the originals (which you can fix later after you realize how much better they are).

In general, people usually try to go the other direction (adding leaf switches to microswitch joysticks).

btw, I think happs supers are pretty good with robotron.  Monroes are better (but leaf switch) but you can find them nos on ebay every so often.

good luck.

[SirPeale]

Your leaf switches may just need cleaning.  Take a look at the contacts.  If they're black, they need the tarnish polished off.

You do *not* want to use sandpaper.  If you have a coin wrap, slide it between the contacts.  Press them together lightly, and move the wrap between them.  Repeat until clean and shiny.

If you don't have a coin wrap, use a dollar bill.

[gatordad]

Your leaf switches may just need cleaning.  Take a look at the contacts.  If they're black, they need the tarnish polished off.

You do *not* want to use sandpaper.  If you have a coin wrap, slide it between the contacts.  Press them together lightly, and move the wrap between them.  Repeat until clean and shiny.

If you don't have a coin wrap, use a dollar bill.

Why not sandpaper?

[SirPeale]

You'll remove the gold plating.  Then it'll tarnish/rust that much faster.

[RayB]

I would recommend Peale's advice, and not LilWolf.

The best sticks for Robotron are the original Wico 8-ways. The only things that can go wrong with them is:

- Dirty leaf switches (clean as per Peale's advice)
- Leafs not adjust correctly
- Leaf holder cracked and loose
- Rubber grommet cracked
- Widget circuit board faulty or has dirty contacts

If you go the replacement route, replace with good condition Wicos, or rebuild from good parts.

[greenbaja]

thanx for the quick help ...ill give cleanin a try ....and i will NOT use sandpaper LOL

[greenbaja]

used a dollar bill folded a few times and ran it between the contacts ...seems to have done the trick ...thanx ..

[CheffoJeffo]

A little late now, but if you really wanted to use Supers, I will happily trade you two brand new Supers for your Wicos sans-shafts ...

 

Glad to hear it worked out -- those really are the sticks that should be on that machine.

[NoOne=NBA=]

You can also adjust how soon from center the contacts close by bending the leaves in slightly.
If you keep the inner leaves almost touching the actuator while the joystick is at rest, the distance to the outer leaf will be the length of travel necessary to actuate that switch.

There is a fine line between too close, and close enough though.
If you keep them too close, then you will get mostly diagonal shots because you will have two switches closed too much of the time.
The goal is to get roughly equal amounts of shots to the 8 directions when you take the stick around the outside of its travel.
If the switches are too close, it will favor the corners.
Too far away, it will favor the cardinal positions.

[RayB]

Sorry to have messed up your trade Jeffo! 

[LeedsFan]

Not exactly related to the OP... but could someone please tell me the exact distance between the joystick handles on an original Robotron panel? 

[greenbaja]

the sticks are 9 3/4" center to center apart ...hope it helps ...